Light on the Path & The Illumined Way

by Mabel Collins

The following treatise, “Light on the Path,”, and the following up book, The Illumined Way, are classics among occultists, and is the best guide known for those who have taken the first step on the Path of Attainment. Its writer has veiled the meaning of the rules in the way always customary to mystics, so that to the one who has no grasp on the Truth these pages will probably appear to be a mass of contradictions and practically devoid of sense. But to the one to whom a glimpse of the inner life has been given, these pages will be a treasury of the rarest jewels, and each time he opens it he will see new gems. To many this little book will be the first revelation of that which they have been all their lives blindly seeking. To many it will be the first bit of spiritual bread given to satisfy the hunger of the soul. To many it will be the first cup of water from the spring of life, given to quench the thirst which has consumed them. Those for whom this book is intended will recognize its message, and after reading it they will never be the same as before it came to them. As the poet has “Where I pass all my children know me,” and so will the Children of the Light recognize this book as for them. As for the others, we can only say that they will in time be ready for this great message.
The book is intended to symbolize the successive steps of the neophyte in occultism as he progresses in the lodge work. The rules are practically those which were given to the neophytes in the great lodge of the Brotherhood in ancient Egypt, and which for generations have been taught by guru to chela in India. The peculiarity of the rules herein laid down, is that their inner meaning unfolds as the student progresses on the Path. Some will be able to understand a number of these rules, while the others will see but dimly even the first steps. The student, however, will find that when he has firmly planted his foot on one of these steps, he will find the one just ahead becoming dimly illuminated, so as to give him confidence to take the next step. Let none be discouraged; the fact that this book attracts you is the message to you that it is intended for you, and will in time unfold its meaning. Read it over and over often, and you will find veil after veil lifted, though veil upon veil still remains between you and the Absolute. It will be noticed by you that the words of the book will remain in your mind, and will become a part of you. You will learn to love this book, and will want it always with you. It will be as music to your soul. To those who know not this book, we would say that it is not our work, but was written down by “M. C.,” a student of occultism, presumably at the dictation of someone high in authority. Its words and teachings bear witness to the nobility and grandeur of the soul who aspired it. To us, it is as a guiding star. May it be the same to you. Peace be unto you.

91 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2014

About the author

Mabel Collins was born in St Peter Port, Guernsey. She was a writer of popular occult novels, a fashion writer and an anti-vivisection campaigner. According to Vittoria Cremers, as related by Aleister Crowley, Collins was at one time being romantically pursued by both Cremers and alleged occultist Robert D'Onston Stephenson. Cremers claimed that during this time she found five bload-soaked ties in a trunk under Stephenson's bed, corresponding to the five murders committed in Whitechapel by Jack the Ripper. Stephenson is no longer a candidate as being Jack the Ripper due to the efforts of competent, modern researchers. However, Stephenson was a rival with Cremers for Collins' affections, and this account cannot be independently confirmed